Research and Education Result in Better Care at WDMH

Seen in image above: Registered Nurse, Kristina Duncan, working with a new high-tech mannequin dubbed 'Willy Makeit', a clinical simulator used for medical education. Courtesy photo

May 7, 2018

Research valued, especially during Nursing Week

WINCHESTER — At Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), we are committed to research and education in a rural setting. We are always asking ‘why?’ and ‘how can we do this better?’.

“Teaching and research result in better patient care,” explains Cholly Boland, CEO. “Everyone is learning together.”

These three profiles illustrate our work.

It’s fitting that we talk about the value of research and learning at WDMH during National Nursing Week. With the support of a nursing fellowship, Registered Nurse Kristina Duncan recently spent three months learning more about simulation exercises. Then she shared her new-found knowledge with her colleagues. Staff and physicians use a high-tech mannequin – dubbed ‘Willy Makeit’ – that simulates clinical scenarios to develop and hone their skills. “I took everything I learned and adapted it for our rural context at WDMH,” explains Kristina. “I can set up parameters that help everyone learn in a safe environment.”

“WDMH is very supportive of education and learning,” sums up Kristina. “I don’t know if I would have had this opportunity if I wasn’t at a rural hospital like WDMH.”

Congrats to Dr. Christine Nadeau and Dr. Mohamed Gazarin who recently presented a poster at a Rural and Remote Health Care conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Their quality improvement study focused on improving patient preparedness in the operating room. “We are sharing WDMH research findings across the country,” notes Cholly Boland.

Finally, meet Kendal Burtch. She is WDMH’s newest Medical Radiation Technologist. While attending Algonquin College, Kendal completed an 11-month placement at WDMH. “I had four hospitals to choose from and WDMH was my first choice,” she explains. “I worked alongside the technologists and they helped me perfect my skills. I had a lot of one-on-one time and everyone was welcoming and friendly.”

“At WDMH, students are an integral part of the health care team,” says Lynn Hall, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services. “Upon graduation, we are fortunate that many of these students turn their educational opportunity into a career at WDMH.”

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